Caithan Crusade

In a land where magic is outlawed, a princess with magic talents is caught between loyalty and leading the rebellion in this fantasy series-starter. Magic has been forbidden in Caithe for 200 years. Those born with magic-the Lorngeld-are considered the devil's children. They are ruthlessly executed by the Caithan Church before they can be corrupted by mind-plague-the volatile madness that afflicts untrained wizards. Only King Kelwyn, artificially gifted with borrowed magic, is exempt from punishment. His daughter may not be so lucky. Impertinent and rebellious, Princess Athaya prefers to spend her time gambling and drinking rather than courting would-be suitors. Discovering that she is a natural-born wizard is an unwelcome surprise. But there are those who believe it is a gift, and that someone with Athaya's unique ability may be capable of leading the Lorngeld out of persecution. Torn between loyalty to her kingdom, her duty to the Lorngeld, and her own impulsive heart, Athaya must harness her burgeoning magic before it drives her mad, and learn to wield its power before those who fear it-and those who envy it-can destroy her.

A princess must learn to wield her own magic if she is to save her kingdom-and her own life-from the cruel reign of her brother in this fantasy saga. Princess Athaya of Caithe paid dearly for revealing her magical gifts: the loss of loved ones, excommunication from the Church, and a death warrant on her head. She barely escaped the kingdom of Caithe with her life, and yet she is already plotting her return. Despite months of grueling instruction, Athaya is only beginning to grasp the full extent of her talents. Her battle-magic is still unpredictable and her spell path-maps are incomplete. But Athaya is running out of time. While she's been away training, the Lorngeld continue to suffer under the reign of her brother Durek. Athaya swore she'd abolish the Church's murderous rite of absolution and legalize the teaching of magic to the Lorngeld. But fulfilling those promises won't be easy. Though Athaya is aided by a powerful group of wizards, her brother will not rest until she is defeated.

A magic rebellion in the Kingdom of Caithe receives an offer of help from a mysterious ally in this fantasy saga from the author of Call of Madness. Charged with murder, heresy, and treason, Athaya spent months in captivity, her magic painfully sealed inside her mind. But her allies kept her mission alive-if only barely-risking their lives to recruit wizards and train them at their secret camp. Now Athaya has escaped, and her brother, King Durek, is desperate to stop her crusade against his reign. With a ruthless new ally at his side, Durek forms a Tribunal with the sole purpose of finding and destroying all Lorngeld and their supporters. And yet an even more immediate danger threatens Athaya's uprising. As Athaya's followers multiply, supplies dwindle, leaving her camp vulnerable to Caithe's brutal winter. Her people face starvation, until aid comes from an unexpected source-a group of military wizards on the Isle of Sare. Their intervention could save Athaya's rebellion ... but at what cost?

As the battle for the soul of Caithe rages on, a magical enemy from outside poses a new threat in this fantasy saga by the author of Call of Madness. Princess Athaya Trelane has become a champion of the Lorngeld, beseeching them to embrace their gifts and defy the laws forbidding their magic. For this she sacrificed everything-family, friendship, love, and even her own sanity. Though her followers still face the terror of King Durek's ruthless Tribunal, a far greater now threat closes in on all of Caithe. Brandegarth, the Sage of Sare, is leading an army of wizards against the king and Athaya both. Brandegarth believes the Lorngeld are superior to other men and are destined to rule the earth. If he succeeds in his rebellion, all the wealth and power of Caithe will belong to him, and non-magical citizens will be crushed under his reign. Athaya's quest to end centuries of Lorngeld persecution seems closer than ever, but Brandegarth threatens to obliterate all that she's gained. With her mission, her people, and her kingdom on the line, Athaya must confront her greatest adversary yet-and this time, her magic may not be enough to save her.